Category Archives: On Assignment

Refugees from Debaltseve are escaping the battle zone on foot while Grad missile systems are heading to the front.

Fighting continues between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian separatists in and around the important railway hub of Debaltseve. The humanitarian situation in the town has become catastrophic as thousands have fled, while many more are trapped in the heavily shelled town. Locals each day try to flee the battle zone using cars, trucks or buses driven by volunteers making the round trip multiple times a day.

February 6, 2015, Debaltseve, Donbass Oblast, Ukraine.

A few locals have boarded a bus to escape the battle around their town.

February 6, 2015, Debaltseve, Donbass Oblast, Ukraine.

A family has taken refuge in an underground bunker as their area is constantly shelled by separatists forces.

February 9, 2015, Debaltseve, Donbass Oblast, Ukraine.

Locals are waiting in line get food as shells land near by.

The battle of the railway hub of Debaltseve has reached a breaking point. Only an estimated 3 thousand locals are still present within the city out of its original 25 thousand. Pro-Russian forces have been attempting to encircle the city from the North, shelling heavily the area while making slow progress towards their goal.

February 9, 2015, Debaltseve, Donbass Oblast, Ukraine.

A grandfather was killed by a shell when it hit his home.

February 9, 2015, Debaltseve, Donbass Oblast, Ukraine.

A woman takes refuge as the area is under shelling attacks from separatists forces.

February 4, 2015, Kramatorsk, Donbass Oblast, Ukraine. A refugee organization has been accepting refugee families to transit in their facility before moving out of the war zone.

February 9, 2015, Debalteve, Donbass Oblast, Ukraine. A lone woman is taking shelter inside her house while shells continues.

Photojournalist Jonathan Alpeyrie has just returned from covering the war in Syria.

He recently spoke with CNN detailing his risky journey both getting into and out of the country documenting the Free Syrian Army and the Syrian refugees struggle to cross over to Turkey. Read more about Jonathan’s experience and see his powerful photos on CNN.